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Millie BadCat

From the moment I saw her years and years ago, I knew Millie was the cat for me. She was very small, and the tag on her cage at the Humane Society said that she liked to chase moths, and I thought that made her a knitter’s cat for sure. Turns out she didn’t give a crap about moths, but she was a hell of a mouser, and regularly attempted to make short work of every animal in the neighbourhood.

It wasn’t at all unusual to have to unhook her from the front windowscreens where she hung, hurling invective at some enormous dog she felt sure she could end if she could just get through the damn window. She slept on my head every night and went on hungerstrikes when I left town. She liked to put her tail in my bath. Her favourite food was pizza, she was tidier than we were, and she taught all the girls to hang up their coats through the magic of urine… and I didn’t know just how much I loved her until today. She drove me crazy.

Millie was an old lady by now – in human years she’d be in her nineties, and up until the last few days she’d been having a pretty good run. She still made her rounds every morning to make sure that there were no squirrels that needed threatening, and she continued to raid the compost bin if the lid was left open, fulfilling a deep passion for any food that was not intended for cats. In the last little bit she’d become very skinny, and seemed to have less energy, and today a visit to the vet for what we thought was something minor became very major indeed, and we said by to our little cat just an hour after a diagnosis so devastating that there was nothing else to do. She was a very, very good cat, and we wouldn’t have wanted to see her suffer for a minute longer.

I’ll get back to knitting and fundraising tomorrow, goodness knows both need doing, but tonight I think I’ll just have a really good cry for my 3.77lbs of wee beast.

I’m so sorry. I’m glad she had so many quirks; you’ll never run out of stories to tell about her! But then, I think that’s almost always the case with the animals closest to our hearts… we know all the ways that they’re impossibly weird.

What what a great life Millie had and she got to protect your house and yarn from any intruders. Years ago, we had a cat that loved to get in our bathtub after one of us had a bath because it was nice and warm. He would get in there and purr really loud and the sound would amplify. Thanks for bringing back that lovely memory.

I am so very sorry for your loss Stephanie. I give you so much credit for honoring Millie with your post. I lost my cat of 23 years last year and I could not post about it at all. I had her longer than I had been a mom. It gets easier, and I look back with lots of love and fond thoughts now.

So sorry for your loss. We had to put down our dog of 15 years last year and it was the hardest thing. But when they reach that old of an age, it’s a mercy. She’ll be there on the other side, waiting to sleep on your head.

You don’t choose cats; they choose you. How lucky that Millie chose you. Millie’s on the other side of Rainbow Bridge (with a giant pizza all her own). She’ll look down on you every now and then to make sure your stash is mouse free. Sending you loads of hugs and light and love.

Millie certainly was a singular cat. I know your friends and family will always have a special place in your hearts for her. Now so will the Blog. Thank you for the lovely tribute and photos, especially the one with her tail in the tub.

Deepest and most sincere sympathy on the passing of Millie. Bless you for adopting her and loving her, and bless her for loving you. May you meet again at the rainbow bridge.
(This is from a dog person.)

Sad news. So sorry for your loss. It sounds like she had a good, long life with you, with much love. All our critters deserve as much. Cry, and expect to still feel her “sleeping” on your head sometimes. She obviously loved you too.

I am so sorry-now there is a Millie-shaped hole in your lives. We all will miss her.
My Buddy sits over my shoulder as I type this. His days are surely numbered, but he is oblivious, so we wait. It will be so hard, even though we see it coming.

Oh poor Millie and poor you! It is so hard losing a cat you love …
The only time my stepfather ever cried was when our beloved 18-year-old Siamese died. I still think of him often with great affection, and it’s been well over 30 years (and two years ago I dissolved into tears when I found some of his hairs when cleaning out my mother’s house …).
Millie will always be part of your family’s life and legends, and what more could a cat want (besides a warm and loving home, which she obviously had)?

I’m unlurking to offer my deepest condolences on Millie’s loss. As a lifelong pet owner, I know just how deeply they work their way into our hearts, and that no matter how long we are blessed to have them in our lives, it’s never long enough. Sending virtual hugs!

So sorry to read of the passing of your beloved cat. She will stay in your hear forever – and be prepared to think you catch a glimpse of her around a corner for quite some time. I think their spirits come back to say a final goodbye and remind us of their love.
We had to say goodbye to our beautiful 20 year old Birman and still miss her terribly.

I am a Certified Cat Person. I know exactly whereof you speak…having been privileged to have a few versions of Millie-cat in my life (current feline: Pookie, aka “Miss Pooks”, “Missie Poo-poo” or just plain ‘Pooks’). My heart goes out to you…and I send you a hug across the miles.

I”m so sorry for your loss. She had a wonderful life and got to be a knitter’s cat, which is the best kind I have two 5 year old cats and I can’t imagine how I’ll deal with not having them around. You’ve lost a member of the family – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Oh, Stephanie, I add my condolences at the loss of your Millie. I am so sorry for the heartache you feel. The deeper your hurt, the more she was loved.
I lost my precious Ellie (my avatar) in February to kidney disease. I had had her for over 17 years. She got me through a separation, a divorce, depression and so much more. She took part of my heart with her when she went.
Hugs to all of you.

Oh, Stephanie, I’m so sorry. I remember Millie stories going way back on this blog, and I’ve always been gleeful over any glimpse you’d give us of your black furry beauty. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to lose her, and I hope you do give yourself the time you need to cry and grieve. My thoughts are with you.

My cat was put down in October 2014 after a wonderful run of sixteen years as a member of our family. The day we said goodbye to her, my heart felt broken and my eyes were filled with tears (something that strangely doesn’t happen to me immediately after a human death in the family). I could feel the void she left behind in our home for days afterward. Thankfully, our dog helped in healing some of my heartbreak (although I do realize dogs aren’t for everyone).

*hugs* I’m so sorry to hear about Millie; from what I gathered from your pictures of her she was a beautiful cat. We here on the internets will miss her along with you.

It hurts so much to say goodbye to our little furry kids. I am so sorry for your loss. Take a few days off from blogging – but if you need to talk, we’re here to listen.
I think you need some snuggle time with Elliott. Nothing like a baby to heal your heart.
My sympathies to you and all of Millie ‘s famiky

Losing a beloved pet is so hard and I am weeping just thinking about how sad you must feel. Try to remember the unique things that Millie did to make you laugh or wonder, “How did she think of doing THAT! She was loved and cared for and loved you back….what else do we need. Hugs to you and your family…

There is simply no better friend than our felines. When they go, they leave a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Their daily rounds, their lioving rituals shape us as better people. When we go to a shelter to adopt, we let the cat choose us and they are never wrong.

I always mourn for the furry children. Having my sweet Leif (dog) put down was the most gut-wrenching thing I’ve ever done, so I feel your pain. I love cats, but have none because I also love a cat-allergic husband. Love the photos of her, especially the tub pic. May she mouse long and prosper over the rainbow bridge!

I lost my 18 year old baby in October last year and I still miss her sleeping on my pillow curled around my head. She was a much larger girl than yours — about 10 lbs — but the love is so much larger than their bodies.

Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard. You don’t know how much you love your furbaby until you have to make a truly horrible decision to spare them pain. They leave a very very large hole in your heart. I’m crying for Millie, and for you, and everyone that loved her. She was loved and cared for and I’m sure she loved you, too. Hugs and light and love and I’m so, so very sorry.

I’m sure our very good cats Boris and Merlin are showing her ropes in cat heaven. Where the sound of the can opener makes them all sing.
Sorry for your loss my dear. It’s never easy but the memories are sweet.

My studio companion Winston, a marmalade, striped cat who was supposed to be a barn cat (that didn’t last long), was born in a basket in my closet fifteen years ago, and this weekend I thought he was in his last days. He’s better now, but I know it’s just a matter of time, probably not very much time. I’m watching carefully to try to catch that moment when his life ceases to be a joy to him so we can help him out of it with mercy and love. It’s all we can do, as the lovers and guardians of our non-human family members. Sigh. We can, however, be glad to have given them good lives and glad too for all they gave us. I’m sorry you’ve lost your Millie.

Years ago, as a beloved dog was escorted to the Rainbow Bridge, my favorite vet told me that if he didn’t believe that all of his pets would be waiting in Heaven, he wouldn’t much care whether he went there.
I’m a nonbeliever, but I totally understood.

Cherish your memories of Millie; when the time is right, she’ll send you your next furbaby.

I’m so so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful beautiful girl. It sounds like she was full of sass. (How can so much personality fit into such a tiny body? I’ve never understood, and I’ve lived with many cats.)

It is always so hard to say goodbye to a furkid. Hope she’s feeling more spry and chasing those mice, over on the other side. My Ravatar black cat Midnight and her sister Shadow will be sure to show her the best spots for sunbaths.

Oh, Steph, I am so very sorry for your loss! Our furbabies are never with us long enough, but the pain when we lose them is the price we pay for the joy (and very definitely the laughter) they bring to our lives.

Steph, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know everyone who knew her will miss her — even The Blog. Take time to grieve (and to find all the cat toys under the davenport, behind the fridge, etc.). The World’s Greatest Model for Knitted Flat Things will always have a place in your heart and your memories.

I’m so sorry Steph! I lost my own sweet little pain in the arse, Mouser, back in December. It was so hard to get used to him not being there to pester me.
Just remember that you gave her a much better and longer life than she might have had otherwise.

Tears for you missing your furry girl. I’m nursing an aging dog (he’ll turn 17 July 11 if he keeps waking up). He doesn’t seem sad or in pain – other than stiffness getting up in the morning or laying down again – just slowing down every day. It is so hard to say goodbye. Consider yourself hugged. And may the squirrels forever be chased by her memory!

Love hurts but I’m sure you’ll agree that “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Pets work their way into our hearts and leave such paw prints that the effects of their deaths are the same as those of a family member or dear friend.

Millie was fortunate to have someone able to help her avoid suffering. Perhaps someday all humans who want it can be afforded the same graceful end.

Your house must be full of heavy hearts tonight. As a fellow pet lover, I am sorry to hear of her passing and this household thinks of all of you tonight. If only we could have immortality, for our pets…

I loved whenever Millie made an appearance on the blog;
she always struck me as the quintessential cat. Having lost my own (rib) warmer of many years in a similar fashion recently, I knew from the moment I saw the title where your post was going and cried all the way through. I’m so sorry for you and your family and hope you can find solace in knowing the last thing you did for her was the utmost of compassion.

I’m so sorry about your sweet Millie. We’re longtime cat people, and I know how it feels to lose one. The fact that she’ll always live in your heart doesn’t mean you won’t feel her loss every day for a long time. You and she were lucky to have known each other.

Sorry to hear of your loss of Millie. Our Bad Cat is the one kicking the knitting instruction sheet to shreds because the paper gets more attention. Bye Millie. Will miss bits and pieces of you on YH’s blog photos.

So so sorry. We have lost 4 cats in our married life and they all left a unique shaped hole. That picture could be our Domino, a long haired black moggie. He would dangle his tail in the bath. He loved to roll on the warm tub after the bath and often got wet when he misjudged the drain speed.

Here’s another batch of hugs and sympathy for your loss heading to you from Omaha. Our fur babies really are complicated and annoying, delightful, funny, affectionate, amazing friends. Losing a longtime kitty is really, really hard. She was lucky to have you, and the good memories will outlast the hurt. Still. *hugs*

Since I had my own place, there has always been cats in my home. And every time one died, I cried. When you live together, sleep together, you become part of each other.
And when one dies,part of the other dies too.
Because of your blog, I too knew Millie and loved her. So even in The Netherlands she is remembered.

Oh Stephanie, I’m so very sorry. We had to do the same for our beautiful old dog Kyah 12 years ago and I still tear up every time I think about it. Knowing that you have done the right thing doesn’t make it any less painful.

So very sorry for your loss <3 I also had to say goodbye to one of my cats this spring, what the vet and I had thought to be an irritated bowel turned out to be cancer… and two others are getting very elderly and have kidney problems. But part of loving them is knowing when you need to let go and not allowing any suffering into their lives if you can prevent it. And I'm sure Millie's tiny ghost will continue to haunt the neighbourhood squirrels for generations to come!

I’ve been there too, it’s hard to say goodbye to our furry family, but sometimes we have to make that choice. Mine was made for Chloe who was lovely and very much my cat, but like your kitty had to be let go. Hugs

I’m sorry for your loss of Millie. I know how very difficult it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I secretly thought mine was a knitter’s cat too as she never played with my yarn or needles… she just loved to sit on my lap while I knit. Hugs Stephanie.

More hugs and love coming your way, Steph. What a hard day. Rotten to have such an out-of-the-blue shock, and not enough time to process it all. Lots of care and support from all your real-even-though-we’ve-never-met internet friends. Vale Millie; you were awesome, and very entertaining for the blog.

Those little lives leave great big holes, don’t they?
We have a Christmas tree ornament to represent each of the pets who’ve lived with us. It promotes happy memories and telling of tales as we trim the tree.
But for now, a great big cry and a slug of whisky is what’s really called for.

I’m sorry to hear this, and your post brought tears to my eyes. At the end of January, I lost my cat of 13 years – the only constant thing in my life during two university degrees and years of moving every 6 months. He was my rock. I miss him.
Have a good cry. I’m still crying for my Hermes.

I am sorry for your loss! I abruptly lost my first cat and I also didn’t realize how much I adored her until she was gone. I hope you are able to take the time you need to grieve. She reminds me of my Lou so much that I am tearing up. Will keep you in my thoughts.

Very sorry about Millie! I lost my old girl three weeks ago, and one of my middle-aged girls has a cancer diagnosis and we’re watching her to know when it’s time. They’re with us for so much of our lives that it’s amazing to have them be gone.

I am sorry for your loss. We have had to make that very hard decision several times; it never gets easier. But our pets count on us to be sure that they have all the food and comfort that they need, and you made the choice that you needed to. It sounds as though she lived a good life.

Somehow, each time we lost a cat another one, ot two, have turned up in our lives, unbidden. And each time we have said “too soon”, and yet it has turned out that they showed up just when we needed them. Millie was obviously there, right when you needed her; I am so sorry that she is gone.

Aww… Rats. My heart is with you. My hubby and I have said good-bye to several furry friends over the years as they crossed the bridge and it is so hard. I have tears running down my face because I know how much you are hurting. Love ya!

Steph, You just put me back into cry-mode. It’s been a month since I lost my fur-baby. I’m 67 years old, and I’ve had a cat for 61 of those years. A ‘new normal’ is going to take time. Be kind to yourself. That’s the only advice I can give.

So sorry. It is so very devastating when we lose a pet. I’ve lived through it four times and I sometimes think, when I’m curled in bed crying, if it’s worth it. Then less than a week later I get a new animal to love. I can’t imagine life without one. Their unconditional love and devotion is like nothing else. So have a good cry and you have lots of sweet memories for the future.

Hubby is a vet. Works for a zoo. We have a thousand pets of our own. And we cry every time one of them dies.it is always sad to lose a friend, whatever the species.. But we try to remember lessons learned from each of their lives. You have my sympathy for your loss. Millie sounds as tho she was a fabulous friend.

That was a lovely tribute to an obviously above-average kat. My kat, too, sleeps on my head at night. Just this morning I again had to pick out the beginnings of her masterful dreads. Violet is an excellent stylist, but dreads aren’t really my thing. My deepest condolences to you on your loss. Our small companions are an enormous part of our lives.

It bites to have to say goodbye to a pet. The pets I have had have been such blessings and I have actually learned things just from having pets. I love rescuing an animal and knowing that I will give that pet a great life. But, I have yet to figure out what I am supposed to learn when I lose a pet. I think we all agree here on the blog that we empathize greatly with you at this time. Maybe that is the lesson we learn. How to be more caring people.

My heart is aching with yours. Our furry friends give us so much and leave such a hole in our hearts. Hugs to you, Stephanie. I’ve had many furkids (love that title) over the years but my last, Jasper, was my most precious – he loved to sit on my lap and he never bothered my knitting unless I was using straight needles. Then he wanted to play with the ends, apparently since I was only using the tips. Hence the beginning of my move to only circular needles. How much love we gain in our lives, no matter how crazy they can make us.

There are so many thing to say. I love and adore cats. We’ve had to put down three, one just three weeks ago that really wasn’t “our” cat, just a stray that we loved and fed. When we realized he was sick, off to the vet we went, but after two weeks and much money, we had to give up on the poor baby who really never had a home and the love of people. A bed to sleep on and unlimited love and petting. Your cat had all that and I’m deeply sorry for the loss of her. I hope you find it in your heart to take another one in. There are so many in need. Peace to you.

I’m so sad for you and so sorry for your loss. Our pets are family and they leave such a hole in our hearts when they are gone. The hardest thing about being a pet mommy is knowing when to let them go. You did good. It’s easier to keep them going so you don’t suffer — but you did right by making sure she didn’t. Take care of yourself today.

Oh, Stephanie, my heart is breaking for you. Many of us have been in the very difficult situation of having to let a pet go, and it never gets easier. Energy like Millie’s can not be contained, so rest assured knowing it is still running rampant in the universe, nurtured by the love and affection of her human kin. I wish your family peace and comfort in that knowledge.

So sorry your sweet little friend is gone. She was a beauty, and I love that she hung her tail in your bath water. Just checking to make sure the temperature of the water was suitable for her mistress no doubt. Sending you warm hugs from me and kitty purrs from our own crazy fur baby.

Stephanie, I am so sorry! I recently had to make the decision to say good-bye to my very sick cat, so I know the pain you are feeling. How can the right thing for our pets be so painful for us? The grief is real. don’t let anyone dismiss it by telling you Millie was “just” a cat.

I’m so sorry to read of Millie’s passing. I loved seeing her pop up on your blog. Our moose-sized version of Millie, Jett, passed away a couple of years ago. He was a big, snuggly ball of black fur & trouble & I still miss him very much.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes. It was a beautiful tribute. I know how much it hurts to lose a fur baby, especially one who has been with us for a long time… I’m sending prayers and hugs your way!

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Millie. I hope that the knowledge that you loved her well in this life, AND that this same love and compassion helped you help her leave it gives you some small comfort. My thoughts are with you all

So sorry for your loss Stephanie, but what a wonderful tribute to her… I am sure she is keeping all our creatures in line on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, until you meet up again…
May the good memories of her help you through the tough times….

So devastating to lose a dear companion animal under any circumstance but especially difficult when its without warning. My heart goes out to you having been through a similar situation with our dear Cacou. Sending you prayers of comfort.

“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” ― Jean Cocteau

I feel for you Steph. I will never understand how these furry beasts come into our lives for such a short time and manage to curl up in a corner of our heart forever. I have always had dogs and this is my first time living with a cat at 54. I am allergic to cats, thought I didn’t much care for them. They are a bit haughty, aren’t they? But this little calico cat that was here when I arrived, a former feral cat at that, has snuck into the middle of my heart (and does not trigger my allergies much for some reason). Callie also sleeps around my head (or on my hip if I’m on my side) and demands her breakfast in the morning. We think she is about fifteen now and she is getting thin and has no patience for the dogs anymore, so we keep them out of the bedroom during the day to give her some peace. We know our time with her is going to come to an end in the near future. So what, if sometimes I get up a little late and stay in bed to snuggle with Callie for a while longer. I think , I’ll do that tomorrow morning in memory of Millie.

Virtual hugs across the miles– it’s always hard to lose a fur-baby, especially when it feels sudden and unexpected. I see her crossing the Rainbow Bridge, being greeting my MY angel cats, Ching-Ching, Peanut Butter, Mama Cat, Tom Tom, Lisa Marie and saying “let me tell you about the BEST human EVER!!

I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your lovely kitty. She picked the perfect family to live with; enjoying much love and laughter. Millie will live on in the Blog as we all remember her antics…..and her famous “stink eye” when you misbehaved.

Steph,
Thank you for writing this. Our cat of 8 years ran away last week and I’m feeling a fairly heartbroken even though I yelled at him a lot when he was around. I’m feeling less alone reading your words today. I’m really sorry for your loss.

I’m so, so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a one of a kind kitty. Sending so much love to you and your family right now. I know firsthand how devastating it is to get a sudden, horrible diagnosis for a beloved family pet. <3 Rest in peace, pretty Millie.

They are only little but they carve a big place in our hearts and when they go a huge hole is left behind. It will take time to heal over. I’ve parted with several furry family members and I know the heartache. You gave her a great life, loved her deeply and memorialized her wonderfully.

Oh, sweetie, sending you sympathy. It’s so hard to say goodbye to our furbabies.
(Halo is giving me stink-eye just now because after reading this I had to go seek her out and give her a good squeeze and too many smooches, thus waking her from what looked like a very good nap.)

I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to your kitty. The kindest thing to do is to end their suffering and you know when it’s the right time, but it is so hard. We’ve had to put 3 dogs and 2 cats down and I miss all but 1 dog (long story) every day.

Oh Stephanie, Joe and everyone else who loved Millie. I am so sorry to read this. It is never easy to say “good-bye” to a little furball that has stolen our hearts. She was a good cat, and far more fierce than her little size would indicate. In the words of Jim Butcher, she was “Small, but fierce!” My Pixel and I send much love and hugs.

I’m so sorry for your loss. They become members of the family (or in some cases, the family’s feline overlord). My little sister was convinced the cat was her brother until she was at least five years old. They leave their pointy little footprints on our hearts; some of them for long after they have to leave us. Millie was a very good cat.

I am so, so sorry. Pets may be small, but they have a large impact on our lives and families. I lost my Heidi, a German Shepherd, over five years ago, and I still miss her, especially when I tap my toothbrush on the sink. She would mistake it for someone knocking and would run, barking, toward the door. Take all the time you need to grieve.

I’m so very sorry for your lose. She was a beautiful cat with what seems to have been a one-of-a-kind personality! They become so much a part of our families and our hearts, don’t they? My best to you all.

A lovely tribute to a beautiful furry friend. Our beloved animals are really a big part of who we are and how we live our lives. You and your family are all in our thoughts and of course sweet Millie too.

I’m so sorry for your loss, as I started to well up when reading Millie was…. It’s been several years since losing our girls (sisters from the same litter who were 21 and 22 when they passed) and there’s not a day I don’t miss my little kids in fur coats. Sending hugs to all from afar; she was blessed for her time with you and yours.

We’re watching our very robust cat, who used to get on top of 10 foot gate within our side fence, no longer able to jump. We fear the end is near, but we still love him. and he’s very responsive. (Doesn’t seem to care about his new disability.) aww….. sorry for your loss.

I’m so very sorry. We just said goodbye to our sweet and perfect kitty Zyla a couple of weeks ago. It was a similar situation, she just kept getting thinner. I miss her terribly, as I know you will Millie. What a privilege to love such sweet little creatures, and what a heartache when we have to let them go.

My first introduction to Millie was that pic of her with her tail in your bath. Obviously a great cat. What I’m trying to figure out now is – who would play her in the movie? I’m thinking Susan Sarandon would do a good job. Possibly Bette Davis, though maybe she’s too historic for a modern cat.
(PS; verification is: click or touch the cat)

When we make the kind and loving decision to hold our furbabies in our arms as they leave this world, it’s a devastating loss, but you will recover. She left her paw prints on your heart, and took a piece of it with her.

Over 330 comments, which I just can’t read, tells us a lot about the compassion of knitters for our furry companions. I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you will, when the time comes & you can even think about it, consider giving another shelter animal a new home. Hugs & headbonks to all.

I am so very sorry about Millie. Losing a much-loved pet is so very hard; I still cry about the dog of my heart that I lost six years ago. We the Blog will miss her appearances in your blog as well. Take care.

Oh no, I am so sorry! I know exactly how you feel – I’ve been nursing my 15 year old cat through some major kidney issues for the last 8 months, and while he’s been doing surprisingly well, I know it’s almost time. I’m so sorry for your loss!

My heart truly breaks for you. I know that you are not religious but you and your family will be in my prayers. I have been where you are right now and it is awful.
It wants me to touch the pencil and I want to touch the cat picture. I will touch the stupid pencil and then go pet my actual cat (who yowled to come in for a snack as I was typing this because she is a spectacularly unsuccessful hunter of critters in our yard) because our fur babies are just never with us long enough.
Peace to you and the rest of Millie’s circle of loving humans.

“Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.”
― Amy Sedaris, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People

I spent extra time this morning with my less than cuddle-able Rob (the cat from hell). He’s been such a challenge that when he allows me to just touch him, I get flutters. Love-Hate relationship on both sides, but mostly love him dearly. Again so sorry.

So, so sorry, but it sounds like she had a good life. Always a hard day for a pet owner.

I’ll give Mouse, Sam, and Leo (aka, Mousella, Samantha Jane, and Napoleon) hugs today, and not push them away even as they try to catch the circular cable, try to crawl between my knitting and me, or insist on settling in when I need to be able to move around to use the swift.

Millie the beautiful was probably the only creature who ever crossed your path that you didn’t teach how to knit. Still, I’m sure her fur is knitted into a good many of your projects. I speak from experience–and send hugs because I know the pain (and love) of which you speak.

So sorry for your loss. We’ve lost beloved cats over the years, and it’s never easy. Good advice from our vet- plant a rosebush or other beautiful flowering plant, using kitty’s ashes in the soil. Then kitty “comes back” every year as the plant blooms.

May I say how truly sorry I am for you and your family. Saying goodbye is hard no matter what. And when it is with almost no warning, it is even harder. Condolences to you and your family. I know it is hard to miss them so.

Several years ago when my beloved dog passed, we buried her in the yard and planted roses over her grave. Every year when they start blooming, it’s like she’s saying hello. And lately I imagine the large bouquets those roses are producing are her indomitable spirit spurring them on!

So sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and assurance that she is at the bridge with so many of the ones that we have all loved waiting for us to reunite someday. Until them may she chase the biggest dog, feast on feast on pizza and always have a warm spot to sleep.

It’s impossible to comprehend how much space our furry friends occupy in our homes and in our hearts…until they are no longer there. I am so sorry for your empty space. May it soon be filled with lovely memories of the wonderful life Millie shared with you.

I am so very sorry to see Miller go. My own Fur Kitty (his name was Furball – the result of being named by a 12-year-old boy) has been gone nearly 3 years now. There is a new kitty about the house, but sometimes I still miss him desperately. Hugs to you.

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Millie. My husband and I have seven rescue cats, and they really do become part of the family. I remember reading the post where Millie had her tail in the bath and cracking up laughing…it was just so very cat(titude). I hope eventually your memories will bring you comfort. In the meantime, hang in there.

She was a magnificent looking cat. You’ll treasure those photos, especially the tail dip. 🙂 I too, have unhooked many cats from screen doors. The things we put up with. (Thank you for the, um, rabbit (?) on the doorstep.) And so on.
I have also cared for aging pets and witnessed them go through the last part of life, getting skinny and crankier. They don’t care or worry; they just walk along enjoying some sunshine and belly rubs, right to the end. Millie was lucky to live with you.

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our house bunny yesterday and although we have the hustle bustle of things that need to get done, we all feel we need to take a day for our lovely Percy who made our life so much better. Peace.

Have to say, she reminds me of our Queen Sweetheart, looks-wise. Sweetie may not have been black like your Millie, but lordy, she had the same ruff as Millie, loved bossing her ‘slaves’ (us) and her kittens around. She was an indoor/outdoor kitty who adopted us and brought us her kittens to raise and keep before she decided to come in every so often during the spring/summer and stay inside during the winter. She passed on this past winter, and we miss her still. Mom’s said she’s sensed her spirit and our black kitty Sam checking in on us every so often.

I always looked forward to seeing Millie sitting on a shawl blocking, looking like the Queen of Sheba – “You may draw my bath after serving dinner. Are you going to stare all evening? I said dismissed!” Lots of love to you Steph

I feel your pain and send hugs your way. My little ‘Jazzy’ came into my life 3 years ago, and life has not been the same since. Already 2 years old, she had many ingrained habits, including wanting to sit on my chest while I knit. I have had to learn adaptive skills! She makes life interesting now that I’m retired and I can’t imagine when she will leave me as your Millie has. Take time to grieve this major loss in your life.

I am so so sorry for your loss of Millie. She was a most unique beautiful looking feline who I can imagine had the personality to match her beauty.Our beloved Siamese, cat, Ping, was with us for over 23 years and has been gone for almost as long. I still really miss her! She once ate the back out of a beautiful Italian made knitted sweater that my husband bought for me, but she was still loved!

that has to be one of the hardest things in the world because they can’t tell us how they are feeling nor can we explain what we are doing. Those little furry creatures steal our hearts even when we don’t know it. I am so sorry you have lost Millie, but I know that has opened a place in your home for another creature someday who needs you.

I am always saddened when one of our familiars crosses over. For such small bits of livingness, they take up such a large portion of our hearts. Anyone who sleeps on your head all their life will certainly leave a hole. Thank you for loving her; they never leave our hearts even though they no longer leave us hairballs.

Stephanie, I am so very, very sorry. So hard to lose a furry family member, but suddenly is so much harder. No time to say good bye properly. Her spirit will stay with you and if you think that you see her out of the corner of your eye as she disappears around a corner..believe it, she is there with you. It doesn’t get easier but one day the “missing her” will become less hard.

Above all, remember that there was nothing you could have done to prevent this…nothing.

I am so very sorry for your loss.I am sitting here bawling for your lost little furbaby, just like I do when I lose one of my own. Now,of course, one of the options to click to prove I am human is a picture of a cat. Technology can be so cruel.

I am very sorry for your loss of Millie. It is a very hard thing to get your mind around – every time you see something out of the corner of your eye, you will look for the cat and it will be a gut punch all over again. I have a gaggle of elderly cats myself – the result of falling in love with a whole litter of kittens that we bottle fed. We had to say goodbye to one of our little beauties in March and another is ill. It is a heartbreaking time of life and so unfair that their lifespans are so much shorter than our own. Still, I wouldn’t trade these last 14 years of kitty love for anything.

Dear Stephanie,
We just had to let our dog go on Monday. She came to us 3 years ago after the death of my father-in-law and stole our hearts. I’m so sorry for your loss. You really can’t be prepared for that kind of thing. Our girl was battling cancer for a year and a half, so we really knew how limited our time was. I don’t know if there is a cat equivalent to this quote, but, maybe it can help you the way it has helped me a little this week. “The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be…”
-Konrad Lorenz
Blessings to you and your family.

Oh I’m so sorry, cats are such lovely companions. I always looked for her rare blog appearances. If she sat beside you while you knit you’ve spent an awful lot of time with her and must truly feel her absence sorely.

Stephanie, I know just how you are feeling. we had to put down our beloved Hodge after having her just 3 years. she came to us as in a badly injured foster and stole my heart, laying beside me, healing from a coyote attack and in pain, she first put out her paw to touch mine and then put her head on my knee. she loved us and we loved her. she ended up having so many things wrong with her people wondered why she was alive. We finally had to say goodbye when xrays showed that she no longer had leg sockets and was most likely in incredible pain from arthritis.

Don’t throw out those cat supplies. A big chunk of your love is accompanying Millie’s spirit right now, but it IS “kitten season”. At some time, sooner or later when you’re ready, your path may cross that of a special little one who needs you almost as much as you need that little ball of furry mischief.

Our feline friends have a way of getting under our skin. Their presence, just curled up on a sofa on top of a crocheted blanket, as two of mine are doing as I write, just exudes tranquility and warmth. I’m glad Millie got to share her time with you and your family.

I’ve been sad for you and yours for a few days. My thoughts are with you all as you move through this difficult process. I’m glad you had Millie as a part of your life, and that she had such a great family, but I know how awful this part is.

I am so sorry to read about your darling cat. They are so much a part of our lives, it is devastating when we have to say goodbye to them. My own kitty has got me through some very dark times following the sudden death of Mr JK last year; I seriously don’t know what I would have done without all those comforting nudges and knowing meows. Big hugs to you Stephanie. xxx

I am so sorry for you and yours. It is so hard to lose the fur-bearing family members, especially without warning. (Though having warning doesn’t make it much better.) We lost our Loki about a year and a half ago, and it still hurts. A lot. But we keep going.
Sending you all the love and sympathy.

So sorry to hear this. Never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, whether furry or not! Sounds like she had a really good life thanks to you choosing her all those years ago. Have comfort in that and all the joy & laughs & everything else she brought to you throughout her years.

I’m so sorry to hear about Millie. Give yourself time to grieve. Our pets really do manage to make a huge impact on our lives…

We lost our 21 year old cat a couple of years ago. It was devastating! She was a great cat and we shared so much of our adult lives with her. Now our cat who we always thought of as the “baby” is actually in the “senior” cat category – 14 years.

I am so so so very sorry for your loss. We just euthanized our cat Shelby this past weekend when the vet diagnosed a brain tumor (at age 14). The running joke between my husband and I was that she was so stubborn that she was clearly determined to lived forever. When she suddenly started showing signs of distress, we knew it was time for us to help end her suffering. I hope you can take comfort in your memories of her and all that you gave each other.

Sorry about your cat, Steph. I lost my cats too, about 20 years ago. I still miss them with a deep sadness.
On a different note, I love your writing style. It reads so naturally. I’m a crocheter primarily and truly admire such patience for knitted lace, which in crochet is so easy by comparison. Nina http://www.nancysaid.com

So sorry for your loss. My old cat lived 19 years and it stunned me what a hole she left in my heart when she didn’t wake up one morning. I had planned for her to be my last cat, then my heart was stolen by a wee black manx lassie who left us after a devastating diagnosis after only 2 years. The current feline may not be our best ever, but after 14 years she’s grown on us. They become so much more than pets.

Oh, Stephanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t even know of Millie, but I can see why she was so special to you all. She must have been a wonderful cat. It’s never easy to lose our friends and when we do, it’s always so heartbreaking.